Obituary of Joseph Anthony Risti

Colonie - On Sunday, August 15, 2021, Joseph Anthony Risti was called home at the age of 74 surrounded by his loved ones. Joseph, known to those he loved as ‘Joe” or “Papa Joe” was born in Albany, NY to the late Frances Macri and Achille Risti. Joe was educated in the South Colonie School District and upon graduating from high school went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970. Joe was a Bus Operator for CDTA for 33 years before retiring in 2009. Joe, being the hard worker that he was, began working as a Bus Operator for the South Colonie School District post retirement. Joe was also a lifelong volunteer of the West Albany Fire Department and a member of the VFW Post #8692. Joe was a pleasure to be around and could lighten up any room with his vibrant personality and witty sense of humor. In 2004, Joe married the love of his life Catherine Risti. Joe took pleasure in camping, fishing, bowling, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was always willing to provide them with home cooked spaghetti, meatballs and chicken cutlets. Joe could also be found hand washing and waxing his truck or grilling in his backyard. In addition, he was a passionate New York Jets and Yankees fan. We have lost a great son, devoted husband, loving father and a pillar of our community. Joe is survived by his wife Catherine Risti; sons Ernest Risti, John Austin (Tashana), Justin Austin (Kahdijah), daughter Tiffany Alderman-Risti and youngest son Cameryn Risti; grandchildren Tiffany Gardner (Kevin), Dahjinae, Ja’meer, Jaden, Ny’onah and Nasir Austin, Na’seyah Dix; great grandchildren Landon and Clara Gardner; mother-in-law Kathleen Willsey. He is also survived by a host of cousins all of whom he loved dearly. Joe will be received by his parents, Achilles and France Risti and his son Anthony Risti. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville NY 12211. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may also call at the church Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m., prior to the mass. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the West Albany Fire Department, 36 Osborne Rd, Albany, NY 12205.